David Gates, Sr

OBITUARY DAVID P. GATES SR. BELMONT - David Peter Gates Sr. , 76, died October 3, 2012 at Concord Hospital after a lengthy illness. Dave, as he was known, was born in Augusta, ME on September 18, 1936, the son of the late Ernest H. and Dorothy (Regan) Gates. Dave worked for J. J. Nissen Bread Company for 45 years as a route salesmen covering the Laconia area for the majority of that time. Dave was well known for his friendly smile, outgoing manner and positive outlook on life. In his life, Dave loved his family and friends, loved living on the farm in his youth and later years, and he loved the sport of boxing. As an amateur fighter in the 1960's, Dave attained a record of 70 wins and 30 losses and was a 3 time Golden Gloves State Champion in the middle weight division. He turned professional in the late 1960's attaining a record of 17 wins and one loss. After retiring from boxing, Dave shared his love of the sport with many local youth devoting his experience and time to training and managing many successful protégés toward local and national recognition. He dedicated an endless amount of time training and managing those who shared his desire and love for the sport of boxing knowing that he was coaching and guiding them at the same time to a productive and positive outlet for their youthful aggressions. In order to advance the sport of boxing in the state, Dave became a boxing promoter sponsoring many boxing cards throughout the state. In 2011, Governor Lynch provided Dave with a commendation for devoting his life and time to advance the sport of boxing in NH and for his tireless efforts steering local youth to positive activities. Family members include his loving wife Tanis (Courtemanche) Gates of Belmont; the mother of his children Joan (Fowles) Prada of Daphne, AL; daughter, Debra Gates-Kroth and her husband, Bill, of Spring Texas; son, Darrell Gates and his wife Colleen (Stiouphile) Gates of Auburn, NH; daughter, Denise Trexler and her husband Scott Trexler of Moultonborough, NH; and, stepson Jason Summers and his wife Kelly (Steadman) Summers of Tilton, NH. Grandchildren include Alexandria Reitan of Manning, SC, Ricky Wright of Concord, Jeremy Gates of North Haven, CT, Jordan Gates of West Henrietta, NY, Kelsey Gates of Auburn, Stephanie Trexler and Quinlan Trexler of Moultonborough, NH and Cordell Summers and Socorra Summers of Tilton, NH. Dave also has four great grandchildren who he loved and adored. Dave is survived by three siblings, Larry Gates and his wife Terry (Arbour) Gates of Austin, TX ; Ernest "Buddy" Gates of Readfield, ME, and Gloria Gates of Augusta ME. as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Dave was predeceased by his son, David Peter Gates Jr. and his granddaughter Ashley Gates. He was also predeceased by four sisters, Jacqueline Reichert, Norma Arbour, Katherine Coleman, and Barbara Lombardo-Wilson. Throughout his life, Dave gave generously to those in need. To those he knew as well as to complete strangers whose plight he would read about in the newspaper. In his memory, donations may be made to the St. Joseph Food Pantry, P O Box 285, Belmont, NH 03220. Visiting hours will be held Monday, Oct. 8, 2012 from 5-8:00 pm at Paquette-Neun Funeral Home, 104 Park St., Northfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012 at 10 am in St. Joseph Church, Belmont. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Franklin at a later date. For directions and an online guestbook, please visit www.neunfuneralhomes.com .